Russian Orthodox Church claims that besides holy war in Syria, Russia must help Donbas people as a part of Russian nation

The head of the Synodal Department for Church and Society, Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin believes that the fight against terror in Syria is Russia's sacred struggle, Interfax.

“It is a struggle associated with our duty to protect people suffering from the terrorist threat. Russia has always felt its duty and has always sought to promote a fair peace in various parts of the world. And our country has, of course, a moral, a sacred duty that is rooted in the mentality of our people,” he told at the press conference in Moscow.

He added that this is not a war of Christians against Muslims, and Russia does not participate in it the fight between Shiites and Sunnis.

He also touched the theme of conflict in eastern Ukraine, highlighting that "a large number of people who consider themselves Russian, speak Russian, now find themselves in a depressed position, and are deprived of the opportunity to influence their own future through the normal procedures of democracy".

"It means that these people need help, we must not forget that these people see themselves as part of the Russian nation. – Claims Archpriest Vsevolod. – It should not be the basis for some new repartition of the world. Taking care of the people who consider themselves Russian, should be natural for Russia”.

Russian Orthodox Church represents the country's predominant religious group, and it has a strong impact on the Russian policy and public opinion.